Plant Manager

Watershed Foods LLC; Deer Creek (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Watershed Foods LLC is seeking a hands-on Plant Manager to lead operations in Deer Creek, IL. This role requires a proven leader to enhance productivity, ensure safety, and drive a high-performance culture while managing daily operations and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of leadership experience in a plant, warehouse, or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with inventory systems, production scheduling or collaboration across departments.

Responsibilities

• Own plant performance and enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead daily operations, ensuring production aligns with customer demand.
• Develop a high-performing team by assigning, coaching, and supporting team members.

Skills

Data-Driven Decision Maker

Exceptional Communicator

Highly Organized & Detail-Oriented

Tech-Forward Mindset

Proven People Leader

Job description

Join to apply for the Plant Manager role at Watershed Foods LLC

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Plant Manager role at Watershed Foods LLC

Job Description

We’re looking for a hands-on, people-focused leader to take on the role of Plant Manager / General Manager — someone who thrives in day-to-day operations and knows how to keep a plant running efficiently, safely, and with purpose.

Job Description

We’re looking for a hands-on, people-focused leader to take on the role of Plant Manager / General Manager — someone who thrives in day-to-day operations and knows how to keep a plant running efficiently, safely, and with purpose.

This isn’t about setting long-term corporate strategy — it’s about executing with excellence, leading by example, and keeping the operation moving forward every day. If you have a few years of leadership experience in a plant or warehouse environment, enjoy solving problems on the floor, and know how to rally a team to hit goals, you could be a great fit.

In this role, you’ll take ownership of production, people, and performance. You'll ensure we meet customer demand, stay aligned with financial targets, and continue building a strong, high-performance culture on the plant floor.

Location : The Plant Manager will support our Aunt Em's business in Deer Creek, IL.

Key Responsibilities

• Own Plant Performance Take full accountability for plant-level KPIs — from productivity and quality to cost control and service levels. Monitor key metrics (P&L, yield, throughput, labor efficiency) and drive continuous improvement through data-backed decision-making.
• Lead with a Business Mindset Think like an owner. Identify and act on opportunities to improve profitability, reduce waste, and increase operational agility. Support business growth through operational readiness and strategic planning.
• Drive Daily Operations with Discipline Oversee day-to-day production, popping, seasoning, and packaging processes, ensuring high product quality, safe practices, and efficient use of labor and materials. Ensure production aligns with customer demand, inventory targets, and delivery timelines.
• Champion Lean and Continuous Improvement Apply Lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and improve flow. Cultivate a culture of operational excellence through team engagement, structured problem-solving, and sustainable process enhancements.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally Work closely with quality, sales, supply chain, and marketing to align forecasts, execute production plans, and scale operations as needed. Act as a bridge between plant operations and broader business functions.
• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team Assign, coach, and support team members to meet daily goals and grow in their roles. Set clear expectations, hold teams accountable, and foster a culture of ownership and teamwork.
• Ensure Inventory and Supply Accuracy Oversee raw material and finished goods inventory. Drive accurate order submission, stock levels, and material flow to keep production moving without disruption.
• Execute Strategic Projects on the Ground Lead or support enterprise-wide initiatives by translating vision into action at the plant level — including capital projects, automation efforts, or process redesigns.
• Be a Hands-On Problem Solver Jump in where needed. Whether it's troubleshooting a production issue, adjusting staffing, or rebalancing schedules, you’ll be on the floor and in the details to keep things moving forward.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

• Proven People Leader: Confident in managing teams, delegating effectively, holding others accountable, and coaching for performance and growth.
• Business-Savvy Operator: Strong understanding of how plant operations impact financial results, with the ability to take proactive steps when metrics fall off track.
• Data-Driven Decision Maker: Comfortable reading and interpreting operational reports and KPIs to drive informed, performance-based decisions.
• Exceptional Communicator: Able to work cross-functionally with diverse teams, align stakeholders, and ensure clear, consistent communication across the organization.
• Highly Organized & Detail-Oriented: Skilled at managing competing priorities, meeting deadlines, and maintaining strong execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Tech-Forward Mindset: Comfortable with modern technology and tools, and able to identify opportunities to automate and streamline both office and production workflows.
• 4+ years of leadership experience in a plant, warehouse, or manufacturing environment, with full accountability for day-to-day operations and P&L performance.
• Hands-on experience with inventory systems, production scheduling, or collaborating across departments such as quality, supply chain, or logistics.
• Background in the food industry or commercial manufacturing is a strong plus, but not required.
• Exposure to sales, customer service, or business development within a plant environment is a nice-to-have and valued for this role.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Watershed Foods LLC by 2x

Get notified about new Plant Manager jobs in Deer Creek, IL.

Morton, IL $72,000.00-$147,381.00 1 week ago

Foundry Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Mapleton, IL $118,632.00-$146,000.00 6 months ago

Pekin, IL $125,000.00-$130,000.00 3 days ago

Mapleton, IL $110,520.00-$165,840.00 1 week ago

Peoria, IL $90,000.00-$110,000.00 6 days ago

Morton, IL $36,212.00-$68,201.00 1 week ago

East Peoria, IL $126,000.00-$189,000.00 2 days ago

Foundry Manufacturing Engineering Manager-Tooling/Cylinder Liner Casting

Mapleton, IL $104,112.00-$126,000.00 6 months ago

Peoria, IL $90,720.00-$136,080.00 3 weeks ago

Pekin, IL $115,200.00-$207,360.00 2 days ago

Peoria, IL $133,000.00-$171,000.00 3 months ago

Manager of Engineering and Project Management

East Peoria, IL $55,000.00-$70,000.00 2 weeks ago

Normal, IL $130,000.00-$140,000.00 6 days ago

Mapleton, IL $87,480.00-$131,280.00 1 week ago

Normal, IL $70,000.00-$85,000.00 6 days ago

East Peoria, IL $28.00-$35.00 6 months ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.